Jiang Yun and his group exited the stardou forest after Hua Yue gained her 4th soul ring.
They stayed in an inn, in a small outpost that was outside the stardou forest at some distance. Here there were many people who after hunting in the forest stayed in after some time it began to resemble a village.
There were various items related to Soul beast ,like beast meat, skin, bones as well as some people were also trying to recruit member for their party and to explore the stardou forest.
The tavern was full of noise and scent of ale and meat drifted in the air.
Jiang Yun and his group of people were wearing hooded cloak to prevent their identity and not to invite trouble , they were sitting in the corner , they were not attracting attention as there were many people who were wearing masks and cloak to hide their identities.
Their journey back was uneventful, yet it was filled with quiet meditation and occasional practice matches between team members. Jiang Yun, ever the diligent leader, ensured they continued to hone their skills, always encouraging them to push their limits.
After one night of rest, they started their usual drill of going from one city to another city while fighting in soul arena wherever they can find one.
Just like that 'The Azure Dragon Squad' a name they had taken to commemorate their academy began to spread in many cities.
Finally they had come to Suotuo city, one of the two major cities of Balak kingdom. It has the richest granary within the Balak kingdom and has a massive garrison.
When they arrived at city Zhu Zhuqing expression shifted and she became somewhat uneasy, after Jiang Yun and other noticed it she told others who don't know about her situation, that how her family tradition was and her fiancee abandoned her and was living in this city at leisurely pace so she decided that she will not wait for death and simply forsaken her family's tradition and became Jiang Yun girlfriend.
After listening her story Hua Yue, Feng Ming, Bai Ling, Qiao Xuan and even Ning Rongrong criticized Dai Mubai for being a coward and swore that they will beat him so hard that even her mother will not recognize him.
Jiang Yun simply grabbed her waist and pulled her in his embrace.
"It doesn't matter if they are royal family of xingluo empire, you are mine and I will protect you from every harm and also we have a titled douluo as our backing and Rongrong's family will also help us. So don't worry to much and live your life just as you wish and I will always have your back."
Zhu Zhuqing was surprised when she was suddenly embraced by Jiang Yun and her face became so red that it looked like she will faint right away, she just let him hold her in his embrace and hid her face deeper in his chest.
After seeing this the group began oohing and aahing at them and Dugu Yan has an unnatural glint in her eyes and her expression slightly softened after a moment with a sigh.
'I will definitely be by his side, no one can stop me not even you....zhuqing'.
After that they inquired about soul arena , they found that there were some teams and Soul masters that can give them some challenges.
Jiang Yun's eyes scanned the arena. "We will register our team here. It's a perfect place to sharpen our skills and gain experience."
They registered as a full team, each member providing their information:
Jiang Yun, Level 44, Kamen Rider martial spirit.
Zhu Zhuqing, Level 44, Netherworld Civet martial spirit.
Dugu Yan, Level 46, Jade Phosphor Earth Dragon martial spirit.
Hua Yue, Level 42, Crimson Tiger martial spirit.
Feng Ming, Level 39, Gale Falcon martial spirit.
Qiao Xuan, Level 38, Earthbind Serpent martial spirit.
Bai Ling, Level 38, Radiant Lotus martial spirit.
Since Ning Rongrong was not participating she did not registered for a match.
The registration officer's eyes widened slightly upon seeing their impressive lineup, especially their average level and the rare martial spirits. But he remained professional, simply nodding as he finished the paperwork.
"Your team is scheduled for a match tonight against the Crazy Fighting Team. They're a well-known team here," the officer informed them. "Their members are aggressive fighters, known for their relentless combat style."
"Crazy Fighting Team?" Zhu Zhuqing's eyes narrowed. "Sounds like they'll be a good test."
Jiang Yun smiled confidently. "All the better. Let's see how far we've come."
That night, the Soul Arena was packed with spectators, the air buzzing with excitement. As the team entered the waiting area, the distant roar of the crowd echoed through the walls.
Bai Ling looked around excitedly.
"There are so many people. "
Soon, an announcement echoed through the arena. "Tonight's featured match! The Azure Dragon Squad versus the Crazy Fighting Team!"
Cheers and murmurs rippled through the crowd as the two teams stepped onto the grand stage.
Across from them stood the Crazy Fighting Team. The leader, a burly man with a gray rhino martial spirit, stood at the front. Beside him was a tall, lithe girl whose eight spider legs emerged menacingly from her back, her predatory eyes scanning Jiang Yun's team. Two agile young men, their monkey-like agility evident in their movements, swung lightly on their feet. Behind them, two twins with sheep horns on their heads stood calmly, their expressions serene. Finally, at the very back was a frail-looking young man holding a shining silver disk.
The leader grinned savagely. "Newbies? Don't tell me you brats are our opponents."
Jiang Yun smiled calmly. "We'll see who's outmatched soon enough."
"Begin!" The referee's voice rang out, and the battle erupted.
The Crazy Fighting Team moved like a coordinated wave. The Rhino leader charged first, his body becoming a juggernaut of force, while the two Monkey Spirit users leapt around the arena, their swift movements making them difficult to track.
"Remember the plan," Jiang Yun's voice was calm, yet his gaze was sharp. "Keep an eye on that disk user. He's the key."
Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Ming exchanged a glance, their agile figures tensing in preparation. Hua Yue's crimson tiger form shimmered faintly around her, while Dugu Yan's jade phosphor earth dragon aura coiled protectively.
With a thunderous roar, the Crazy Fighting Team charged. The Rhino Spirit Master's body expanded, his skin turning metallic gray. He barreled forward like an unstoppable juggernaut, aiming directly for Jiang Yun.
Jiang Yun's body glowed faintly as his Arcle activated, "Henshin" he transformed into mighty form and with a confident stride, he leapt forward, meeting the charging rhino with a mighty kick—Mighty Kick. A crimson aura surrounded his leg as it collided with the rhino's massive frame, and a shockwave burst out, forcing the rhino back several steps.
"Boost defense!" the Wishful Disk user chanted, and his silver disk glowed. The rhino's metallic sheen became denser, and his charge resumed with even greater strength.
Feng Ming shot into the air, his Gale Falcon wings spreading wide. He dove toward the spider girl, talons blazing with wind energy. She reacted quickly, webs shooting out to ensnare him, but Feng Ming twisted in the air, slashing through the silk.
Zhu Zhuqing dashed like a shadow, her figure flickering between the two monkey twins. They tried to keep up, but her Nether Stab struck one in the shoulder, causing him to stagger. Her Hell Hundred Claws raked across the other, forcing them on the defensive.
Dugu Yan's jade phosphor earth dragon aura erupted, and she unleashed a toxic mist toward the two sheep spirit users. They countered with a synchronized bleating sound, creating a protective light barrier that repelled the poison.
"Offense boost!" the Wishful Disk user cried out, his disk flaring again. The rhino's strength surged, his fists smashing down at Jiang Yun.
Jiang Yun's eyes narrowed. "Crimson Lock." A crimson mark appeared on the rhino's chest, and Jiang Yun lunged forward. His fist, blazing with power, struck the mark with perfect accuracy, the force penetrating the rhino's defense. The massive opponent stumbled back, coughing blood.
"Get rid of that support!" Hua Yue roared, her body blazing with crimson light. Her fourth spirit ability, Crimson Inferno Claw, activated, and her claws ignited with searing flames. She lunged at the Wishful Disk user, who desperately tried to increase his teammates' speed. But before he could, Jiang Yun intercepted him.
"You're done." Jiang Yun's fist crashed into the Wishful Disk user's face, knocking him out instantly. The disk fell, its glow fading.
With the support neutralized, the Crazy Fighting Team's formation crumbled. Zhu Zhuqing's Shadow Phantom danced between the monkey twins, her claws striking true. One collapsed, defeated, while the other barely stood.
Feng Ming's wind blades slashed at the spider girl, her webs disintegrating under the relentless assault. Dugu Yan's toxic mist overwhelmed the sheep twins, their barrier failing as their vision blurred.
The rhino let out a final, desperate roar, his hulking form charging at Jiang Yun one last time. But Jiang Yun's form was a blur, his Mighty Kick crashing into the Rhino leader's chest, sending him flying into the arena wall. The impact left a deep crack.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Jiang Yun's team stood victorious, their breathing steady but their gazes sharp.
Jiang Yun deactivated his Kuuga form, his teammates gathering around him. Each wore a proud smile, though their breathing was heavy.
"We won," Bai Ling whispered, relief and joy in her voice.
Jiang Yun nodded, his calm smile unwavering. "This is just the beginning."